It’s been a few weeks since I’ve penned ATL and some interesting and surprising things have occurred in the hockey world.

In Canada, the announcement of the Olympic men’s hockey team was debated heavily. I was surprised to read that the biggest outcry, outside of Flames fans moaning about the exclusion of all of their big-three D-men, was that Mike Green didn’t make the team.

Many said he was the best offensive D-man, especially as the quarterback on the powerplay. Green is a great on the powerplay and in the offensive zone, and his 46 points is tops amongst D-men. But he has 22 points on the PP, while Drew Doughty has 20 PP points for the Kings. Dan Boyle has 19, Pronger 16, Niedermayer 15, Weber 14, Keith 11 and Seabrook has six.

The Capitals have scored 43 PP goals and Green has been in on 51% of their PP goals. The Kings have 36 PP goals and Doughty has been in on 55% of them. Green plays with Alex Ovechkin, Alex Semin and Nick Backstrom on the PP, while Doughty has Anze Kopitar, Alex Frolov and when healthy Jarret Stoll and Ryan Smyth.

I like Green, but few realize how good Doughty is. His defensive game is much better than Green’s and when you look at his offence on the powerplay, don’t be surprised to see Doughty on the PP at times in the Olympics.

I was surprised Jay Bouwmeester didn’t make it, but his lack of playoff experience was probably the deciding factor. The only year he’s ever played in the playoffs was during the lockout when he played 18 games with the Chicago Wolves and registered ZERO points. In seven NHL seasons and three WHL seasons he hasn’t played in the postseason, and I have to think that was a major reason he was excluded. Not to mention no points in 18 AHL playoff games.

I’m still stunned that Patrice Bergeron made the team, but clearly Yzerman and company had good reason to choose him; I just don’t see it. His broken thumb should only keep him out another week, so barring another injury he will be in Vancouver on the 15th of February.

In the NHL Micheal Leighton is playing out of his mind in Philadelphia. He is 8-0-1 with the Flyers (although he was pulled v. Ottawa but got a no decision) and has a 2.22 GAA and a .925 SV%. I’d be stunned if he kept it up because prior to this season he’d never won more than six games and has been mostly a minor leaguer. With Ray Emery set to return the Flyers have to waive Leighton or Boucher. I think Peter Laviolette’s best option right now is to play Leighton until he comes back to reality.

Before Christmas the LA Kings were four points behind San Jose in the Pacific division and comfortably in the playoffs. Three weeks later they are 14 points behind them and precariously close to falling out of the playoffs with the Red Wings a point behind while the surging Wild is only two back. The Kings might need a shake up... Souray anyone?

Ice women of the week

Here is a photo that should cover everyone’s taste; Ginger, blonde, brunette and dark hair. The Panthers actually have 21 ice dancers, and they need all of them to keep the fans entertained because once again it looks like the Panthers won’t make the playoffs.

Candra, Sophia, Kelli (Assistant Director), Tere, Monica, Simona

Random thoughts

Can you name the four first overall picks that won the Calder Trophy and are now in the Hall of Fame? (answer at bottom)

I believe that Stephane Auger said something close to what Alexandre Burrows accused him of, but I’m more interested in what the league, or more importantly director of officiating Terry Gregson, said to Auger. I doubt we will ever know, but when the playoff assignments are handed out if Auger is there I’d be stunned. This was a case of he said he said, so it would have been impossible to convict Auger, but I doubt Burrows’ fabricated the entire story, so the league can quietly punish Auger by not giving him any playoff games. We’ll find out in April.

Blues new head coach, Davis Payne, seemed like a surprise choice until you looked at his resume. In seven seasons in the ECHL he compiled an impressive 289-142-45 record. He won a Kelly Cup Championship in 2006, and became only the second coach in ECHL history to get his team to the final four in three consecutive seasons. He’s paid his dues. And under the “did you know file”: The Oilers drafted him 140th overall in 1989. He ended up playing 22 games for Bruins over two seasons and registered one assist.

The Flames have scored more than three goals only once in their last 21 games. I don’t see them going anywhere in the playoffs if they can’t score. Only Phoenix has scored fewer goals amongst western playoff teams. I know the Flames rely on the defensive zone coverage and goaltending to win, but if they can’t score they won’t be able to shut down Chicago or San Jose and the Avalanche own them. Darryl Sutter has to be looking for some offence in the next six weeks, and if he wants a true scorer he might have to dangle Phaneuf or Regehr.

Currently Carolina is the only Eastern organization that has never had a first overall pick in the NHL entry draft. But Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver, San Jose, Anaheim, Minnesota and Nashville have yet to have the first pick. The Oilers could become the first western Canadian team to have the first pick this summer.

Colorado, Phoenix, Dallas and New Jersey haven’t had the first pick in their current city but the Nordiques, Jets, North Stars and Rockies did.

The Kings have had one first overall pick and he was a bust. They chose Rick Pagnutti in 1967, and he never played a game in the NHL.

In the last 20 years the only first picks that became busts were Alexandre Daigle (1993) and Patrick Stefan (1999). Some might argue that Rick DiPietro is a bust, but injuries have been his demise.

Henrik Sedin is the leading candidate to win the Hart trophy and that could be the biggest surprise of the season. If you asked any hockey fan, media member, player, coach or GM to submit a list of their ten favourites to win at the start of the season I doubt he would have been on anyone’s list. Up until this season it was always Henrik and Daniel, rarely did you talk about one without the other. But Henrik’s play has everyone’s attention and I’m stunned how well he has played.

The Anaheim Ducks have inquired about Ethan Moreau. They have won five straight and are only four points behind the 8th place Kings. The Ducks have room to add Moreau’s salary which today would roughly be an $860,000 cap hit. It isn’t imminent but the Ducks have made some calls.

***Answer: The four first overall picks who have won the Calder and are in th Hall of Fame... Gilbert Perreault, Denis Potvin, Dale Hawerchuk and Mario Lemieux.***

Final Points

There are only three teams who look completely out of the race today; Oilers, Hurricanes and Leafs. The Blues and Blue Jackets are on the edge, but the rest of the non-playoff teams are only four points out. With so many teams still in the hunt, you have to think Jim Rutherford, Steve Tambellini and Brian Burke are fielding lots of calls. It sounds like we might see some trades prior to the Olympic break, so the players will get some extra practice days before the NHL resumes in March.

I don’t want answers in the posts today, but I’m curious what your expectations are from a reporter/media member/blogger in ethical situations. Think about it, remember the question and I will let you know why in a week or so.

One of Canada's most versatile sports personalities. Jason hosts The Jason Gregor Show, weekdays from 2 to 6 p.m., on TSN 1260, and he writes a column every Monday in the Edmonton Journal. You can follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/JasonGregor

i'll take anyone from the ducks as long as his contract expires this year but preferrably draft picks. also Matheson shot down the ridiculous Halak rumour today. let JDD and DD roll the rest of the way and keep our dive for five alive.

There are only three teams who look completely out of the race today; Oilers, Hurricanes and Leafs. The Blues and Blue Jackets are on the edge, but the rest of the non-playoff teams are only four points out.

With only 3 confirmed sellers and two bubble teams. That means 25 possible buyers.

As a GM, is it better to hold on to players and watch their trade value go up as their cap hit goes down, or is it better to unload ASAP for whatever you can get?

I vote that Tambellini unloads as quickly as he can because the longer he waits, the more teams will drop out of the playoff race and become sellers.However for so some reason I picture Tambellini as Homer Simpson holding on to his pumpkin futures into November.

I wonder if Burke's ego makes him a buyer?

I'm almost pulling for toronto to win the lottery just to see what he says about losing a 1st overall pick.

I'm really curious how people take Tambellini's inactivity as a sign he's a puppet.

Why would Lowe being in control = Tambellini doing nothing?

Lowe was a wheeler and dealer, the guy made a pile of moves.

If anything the inactivity is a sign that it is in fact Tambellini in control.

I wish one day Willis would do a stat comparison of GM's signing UFA's and trading guys. I'm really curious how much of a non-mover we really are.

I mean after all we were busy with a couple waiver wire pick ups last year, he did move Garon last year. So is that not somewhat okay for last year? This year Brodziak trade, Bulin and Comrie signing. 3 moves with more to come i suspect.

After almost having his eye carved out of it's socket, isn't it a bit unethical to question Moreau's decision to wear a visor? Question his play, his accountibility and leadership qualities, but going after him for wearing a visor? That's too much. The guy has a wife and kids to think about and after a close call like he had, I think his decision to wear one is understandable.

Im fine with the visor, I know he had an eye injury and if I could play at his level I would probably wear one to. I can't stand that he puts TINTING on it though because I attribute that to flashy, skilled, european type players which Moreau isn't. I was implying that he has gotten away from what made him effective and is playing a game that he isn't suited for. He used to be a physical presence and now he "doesn't like to get hit when its 6-2", thus the reason for the comment "at least he would have a reason to wear a TINTED visor if he played in sunny southern California".

Moreau's pussy comment about not getting hit was during the Vancouver game (I believe) when he was hit into the boards, the score was 6-2 and he then reacted by cross-checking the guy who hit him in the back of the head, taking yet another retarded penalty in the offensive zone.

Ever sense he put that visor on he's played softer than Nick Backstrom during a fight.

It was against St. Louis, TJ Oshie was the guy that hit him. I was actually more than ok with Moreau snapping, because it was the only thing at that game that was mildly entertaining. I'm all for more guys pulling stupid stuff like that if they aren't going to do anything else worth watching.

"The Anaheim Ducks have inquired about Ethan Moreau. They have won five straight and are only four points behind the 8th place Kings. The Ducks have room to add Moreau’s salary which today would roughly be an $860,000 cap hit. It isn’t imminent but the Ducks have made some calls."

Im fine with the visor, I know he had an eye injury and if I could play at his level I would probably wear one to. I can't stand that he puts TINTING on it though because I attribute that to flashy, skilled, european type players which Moreau isn't. I was implying that he has gotten away from what made him effective and is playing a game that he isn't suited for. He used to be a physical presence and now he "doesn't like to get hit when its 6-2", thus the reason for the comment "at least he would have a reason to wear a TINTED visor if he played in sunny southern California".

It's tinted because his eye is damanged, the tint protects him from the light/glare.

I find it funny that when the Oil Kings draw 6,000 fans to a game that the SUN reports that number. But any other game not worthy you never see the attendance figure in print. Can't release the bad, only the good. How successful is this team?

I find it funny that when the Oil Kings draw 6,000 fans to a game that the SUN reports that number. But any other game not worthy you never see the attendance figure in print. Can't release the bad, only the good. How successful is this team?

They could be reporting this because it is out of the ordinary for them. No need reporting that 2000 fans showed up again last night.

Tambobambo is proving that he is just a puppet of Kevin Lowe's who has no authority to do anything. If he's as passionate as he pretends to be, he'd have made a trade by now

Just as Boston made moves as soon as they got injuries to their lineup

I'd like the media to play back to him his season ending press conference from last season and ask him what exactly was his plan cause if Brodziak was the only player "held accountable" this team is focked for years to come

Hey Mav, give him a break- He's still assessing the team. He's still believes he can make a run at it with the team he has.....lol
I'd like to hear that season ending presser as well, I'd also like to see the video they prepared for the first PPV game this year where Quinn was commenting on how we were going to be bigger, stronger faster and force our will on teams. I would love to see them play that one on the big screen at an Oil game....This gong show has gone on far to long. The sad thing is that Tambo believes he has a contender here once he gets back some injured players.

Ya, if I owned the Oil Kings and 2000 was the norm I would be embarassed too. Just can't see how this team is viable when they play at Rexall and on avg they get 2000 to 3000 fans a game. It's starting to mirror how Oiler fans feel, spending all that money (highest in WHL for Oil Kings) to watch a bunch of crap.

I wish one day Willis would do a stat comparison of GM's signing UFA's and trading guys. I'm really curious how much of a non-mover we really are.

I mean after all we were busy with a couple waiver wire pick ups last year, he did move Garon last year. So is that not somewhat okay for last year? This year Brodziak trade, Bulin and Comrie signing. 3 moves with more to come i suspect.

It depends on the team I think. If your team is largely successful then three moves a season might be fine. Why fix it if it ain't broke. When your team has obvious holes and is on it's way to the basement you pull the trigger on some changes more often.

Ya, if I owned the Oil Kings and 2000 was the norm I would be embarassed too. Just can't see how this team is viable when they play at Rexall and on avg they get 2000 to 3000 fans a game. It's starting to mirror how Oiler fans feel, spending all that money (highest in WHL for Oil Kings) to watch a bunch of crap.

They really need to do a day where they have free attendance and the usual concession prices. I'd go watch the oilkings and get hammered and they would make way more money off me then they currently do ($0).
The average person is more willing to spend $20 on random food and drinks then they are to spend even $10 to get in and not buy anything.

Maybe the Oil Kings could do a $5 ticket with proceeds to charity. Or you're right, a free day like on Family Day or something. They might fill the place on a day like that. Concession revenues would more than make up for free admission. Rush lacrosse could probably do the same.

Maybe the Oil Kings could do a $5 ticket with proceeds to charity. Or you're right, a free day like on Family Day or something. They might fill the place on a day like that. Concession revenues would more than make up for free admission. Rush lacrosse could probably do the same.

~Tambellini wants the team to concentrate on the most important thing - winning hockey games. Not where the mail is going to have to be forwarded to.~

I say Moreau fo MacGregor Sharp sounds about right. I want a former Camrose Kodiak on our team. I bet beer he plays in the NHL before a guy like Riley Nash does.
http://www.hockeysfuture.com/prospects/macgregor_sharp

We won't get nothing of value for Moreau, but we will get a 'project' I bet. If we could talk them out of Lucas Sbisa or Brandon McMillan I would pee my pants.

the reason there were 6000 fans was a hookey for hockey promotion, school kids got free tickets, matinee game, out of school free card, etc. Thats why the number was posted, its relative to the nature of the promotion.
They hit up the seasons ticket base and various businesses to "sponsor" kids. We did.. I think its a decent marketing campaign.

As for the rush.. do yourself a favor and go.... fantastic experience, its just a big party. smokin hot women, loud and proud music and the sport rocks IMO.

Good post it is, just wondering why do you bold the Canucks players on the stats part? I thought we hate those pieces of sh!t? I dont give a rotten sh!t about any Canuck as a matter of fact I hope thier plane crashes into Carolina's crappy arena. I feel better

Good post it is, just wondering why do you bold the Canucks players on the stats part? I thought we hate those pieces of sh!t? I dont give a rotten sh!t about any Canuck as a matter of fact I hope thier plane crashes into Carolina's crappy arena. I feel better

Pretty sure it's because this article is on flamesnation and nucksnation or army or whatever their sites are called.

Good post it is, just wondering why do you bold the Canucks players on the stats part? I thought we hate those pieces of sh!t? I dont give a rotten sh!t about any Canuck as a matter of fact I hope thier plane crashes into Carolina's crappy arena. I feel better

Are players in the NW division all bolded? I've noticed that before too, and that's the pattern that I've picked up on.